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Welcome to the LGBT Resource Office

Welcome to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Office at East Carolina University. Since 2011, we have served the entire ECU campus from our office in B-103 Brewster Building. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our resources include a lending library; information on campus, local, and national resources; and two computer workstations, in addition to a social area and offices for our staff. Throughout the year, we offer educational programs and events, and participate in national campaigns such as Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, and “Gay? Fine by Me.” We invite you to visit the LGBT Resource Office—everyone is always welcome!

Since 2011, the LGBT Resource Office has hosted Lavender Launch, a commencement celebration for LGBT and Ally graduates. This event recognizes their leadership, achievement, and contributions to the ECU community and features the Samantha Hamilton Award for LGBTQA Leadership Excellence. This year’s ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm in the Great Rooms in Mendenhall Student Center. Students graduating in May 2015, August 2015, or December 2015 are eligible to register to participate in Lavender Launch. The public is invited to attend and graduates are encouraged to include their families, friends, and colleagues. Graduates may register here.

Safe Zone training is an opportunity for people to talk, learn, and ask questions about sexuality and gender in a non-judgemental, safe, educational environment. The purpose of Safe Zone is to create a network of allies who are willing to talk to students about sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Trainings are offered throughout the year on Main Campus and the Health Sciences Campus. Each session is three hours in length and includes a panel of students who share their experiences as members of the LGBT community on campus. The next training will be offered on Monday, April 20 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Registration is available on Cornerstone.

The Samantha Hamilton Award for LGBTQA Leadership Excellence

The LGBT Resource Office is now accepting nominations for the Samantha Hamilton Award for LGBTQA Leadership Excellence. The award was established in 2013 to honor an ECU undergraduate or graduate who, like Samantha, has provided leadership and service to the LGBT community on campus. Samantha Hamilton inspired her friends and colleagues with her outgoing personality, her ability to create a welcoming, inclusive environment on campus, and an intellectual curiosity which seemed boundless. A founding principle of this award is to recognize an individual whose passion and inspiration will further the vision of a just and fair society in which sexual and gender minorities are empowered to live their dreams and realize their true potential. To submit a nomination, click here. The deadline for submissions is April 15.

Coffee House, a psychoeducational group for students, will continue to meet on Tuesdays from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in Brewster B-104. The meetings, led by graduate students Jessica Melowski and Mary Lord, are open to all students interested in a safe and supportive environment for sexual and gender minorities and their allies. Each week includes a specific topic for discussion such as stress management or effective communication in relationships and also includes time for questions and sharing.